Simplifying Polynomial Expressions
This article will guide you through the process of simplifying the polynomial expression: (-3x^4 + 6x^3 - 11x^2 + 5) - (5x^4 + 2x^3 - x).
Understanding the Steps
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Distribute the negative sign: The minus sign in front of the second set of parentheses means we multiply each term inside the parentheses by -1.
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Combine like terms: Identify terms with the same variable and exponent (e.g., x^4, x^3, x^2, x). Add or subtract their coefficients.
Solving the Expression
Let's apply these steps:
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Distribute the negative sign:
-3x^4 + 6x^3 - 11x^2 + 5 - 5x^4 - 2x^3 + x
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Combine like terms:
(-3x^4 - 5x^4) + (6x^3 - 2x^3) - 11x^2 + x + 5
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Simplify:
-8x^4 + 4x^3 - 11x^2 + x + 5
Final Answer
The simplified form of the polynomial expression (-3x^4 + 6x^3 - 11x^2 + 5) - (5x^4 + 2x^3 - x) is -8x^4 + 4x^3 - 11x^2 + x + 5.